According to the latest council report, said plans were being made to apply to government change Athlone cemetery extension from an upmarket cemetery to an ordinary one.

“Considerations were being made to change it from up market to a general cemetery. Currently, only water and construction of a toilet was needed. Athlone extension had more than 4000 graves. It would cater for adults only. Children would still be buried at West Park in the remaining areas,” read part of the report.

According to the report, the local authority has applied for permission to construct a rail level crossing at Marvel cemetery before burials commence.

The local authority had planned to have Athlone Cemetery operational in during the 100 day programme, while the second 100 day would produce Marvel Cemetery and Pumula South in the 3rd 100 day plan.